Biological sample analysis device and biological sample analysis method

Abstract

Provided is a biological sample analysis device that prevents a container containing a sample from being charged and can accurately measure only the intensity of light emitted from the sample. The biological sample analysis device (100) is used for rapid inspection of microorganisms by analyzing light generated by a substance originating from a biological body contained in the sample. The biological sample analysis device (100) comprises a plurality of containers (2) containing the sample, a light detector (4) fixed at a predetermined position, a support driving mechanism (5) that drives the support (3) and sequentially positions each container (2) held by the support (3) to a detection position by the light detector (4), and a static eliminator (NE) that removes static electricity from the container (2) held by the support (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a biological sample analyzing device for analyzing light generated by a biological substance contained in the sample. Background Art

[0002] In the past, microbial monitoring was performed for environmental management of pharmaceutical manufacturing plants and / or food factories, etc. As an example of such microbial monitoring, a luminescent reagent is added to ATP (adenosine triphosphate) contained in microorganisms, the bioluminescence thereof is measured, and the obtained luminescent intensity is converted into an ATP value, thereby being able to obtain a correlation with the bacteria.

[0003] As an apparatus for analyzing light generated by a substance derived from a living body such as ATP, there is the one disclosed in Patent Document 1. The biological sample analyzer includes a holder for holding a single container containing a sample and a light shielding box containing a light detector, and is configured to detect light emitted from the sample in the container by placing the holder in the light shielding box.

[0004] However, since the intensity of bioluminescence is very small, it needs to be measured by a photodetector such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT) with very high sensitivity. Therefore, if the container containing the sample is charged due to friction, etc., the light generated by the static discharge will be detected by the photodetector, which may appear as a measurement error.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-268019 Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a biological sample analyzer capable of accurately measuring the intensity of only the light emitted from the sample while preventing a container containing the sample from being charged.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] The biological sample analyzer of the present invention is characterized in that it is used for rapid microbial inspection by analyzing light generated by a substance derived from a biological body contained in a sample, and comprises: a support that holds a plurality of containers containing the sample; a light detector that is fixed at a predetermined position; a support drive mechanism that drives the support and sequentially positions each container held on the support at a detection position by the light detector; and a static eliminator that removes static electricity from the container held on the support. .

[0012] In addition, the biological sample analysis method of the present invention is characterized in that a biological sample analysis device is used for rapid inspection of microorganisms for analyzing light generated by a substance derived from a living organism contained in the sample, and the biological sample analysis device comprises: a bracket that holds a plurality of containers containing the sample; a light detector that is fixed at a predetermined position; and a bracket driving mechanism that drives the bracket and sequentially positions each container held by the bracket at a detection position by the light detector, and in the biological sample analysis method, the container held by the bracket is de-staticized.

[0013] According to such a structure, even if the container is charged for some reason, the static eliminator can remove the charge, thereby preventing the light generated by the static discharge caused by the charge in the container from being detected by the photodetector. Therefore, the photodetector can detect only the light generated by the substance derived from the organism in the container.

[0014] Furthermore, by removing static electricity from the container, droplets of the sample are less likely to adhere to the wall surface of the container, and the amount of the sample that does not react with the reagent is reduced, thereby preventing measurement errors from occurring.

[0015] In order to make it difficult for the influence of the static eliminator on the static-eliminating effect of the container to be manifested in the photodetector, the bracket can be constructed to be able to rotate relative to a predetermined rotation center and maintain the multiple containers on the same circumference relative to the rotation center, and the static eliminator is arranged to be separated from the photodetector by a predetermined arc length relative to the circumferential direction of the circle in which the multiple containers are arranged.

[0016] As a specific embodiment of the static eliminator, the static eliminator may be one that supplies positive ions and negative ions to the container.

[0017] In order to fully remove static electricity from the portion of the container close to the photodetector without causing any influence of charging, the container can be roughly cylindrical and configured with its front end exposed downward from the bracket, and the static eliminator is configured to supply positive ions and negative ions from below the container.

[0018] In order to prevent the bracket itself from being charged and light generated by discharge from being detected by the photodetector, thereby causing a measurement error, the bracket may be formed of a conductor.

[0019] In order to release the electric charge carried by the container or the support to the outside, the support may be connected to the support driving mechanism and grounded.

[0020] As a specific structural example for discharging the electric charge carried by the container or the holder to the ground, the holder driving mechanism includes a rotating shaft connected to the holder and a grounding member clamping the side of the rotating shaft. According to such a structure, even if wear occurs between the rotating shaft and the grounding member, the elasticity of the grounding member makes it easy to maintain continuous contact.

[0021] In order to prevent components related to the process before the sample is stored in the container from being charged and the container from being charged due to the transfer of the sample, a dispensing mechanism for introducing a reagent that reacts with the biological substance to generate light into the container may be further provided, and the dispensing mechanism may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from a pipette tip that contacts the reagent, and the pipette tip is wet before use. With such a structure, the pipette tip can be less likely to be charged, and thus the container can be prevented from being charged due to the transfer of the sample.

[0022] In order to prevent the light from being incident on the detector from the outside by shielding the light when the light detector is used to detect the luminescence from the sample, and to prevent the components used for shielding from being charged and causing measurement errors, a shading mechanism can also be provided, the shading mechanism comprising a container-side shading portion and a movable-side shading portion, the container-side shading portion being provided on the container and covering the upper portion of the container, the movable-side shading portion moving forward and backward relative to the container located at the detection position and covering the lower portion of the container located at the detection position, and the container-side shading portion and the movable-side shading portion are respectively formed of metal.

[0023] In order to prevent the light emission from the sample from being blocked when water droplets accumulate in the shading mechanism and to facilitate cleaning operations, the movable side shading portion may include a reflector body covering the front end side of the container, a light-transmitting plate arranged in the reflector body, and a pressing component that can be loaded and unloaded relative to the reflector body and presses and fixes the light-transmitting plate to the reflector body.

[0024] In order to prevent the light emitted from the sample from being absorbed by the pressing member and causing a measurement error, the pressing member may be a substantially annular member installed in the reflector body and a reflective film may be provided on its inner peripheral surface.

[0025] In order to accurately perform temperature regulation for maintaining the state of the sample before measurement at a constant level and to reduce the error in the setting position of the thermistor, a temperature regulation mechanism may be further provided, the temperature regulation mechanism comprising: a bracket block, which holds the sample tube containing the sample before being dispensed into the container; a heat source portion, which is provided in the bracket block; a thermistor, which has a temperature sensing element and a lead connected to the temperature sensing element and measures the temperature of the bracket block; a receiving hole, which is formed in the bracket block and is used to receive the thermistor therein; and an insert body, which covers the lead of the thermistor and is inserted into the receiving hole, abutting surface being formed on the base end side of the insert body and abutting against the periphery of the opening of the receiving hole.

[0026] Effects of the Invention

[0027] Thus, according to the biological sample analyzer of the present invention, since the container is de-electrified by the static eliminator, it is possible to prevent the container from being charged and the light generated by the discharge of static electricity from being detected by the photodetector. Therefore, since only the light from the sample can be measured, even if the light intensity is very weak, it is possible to accurately measure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the biological sample analyzer according to the present embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the biological sample analyzer according to this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a plan view showing the arrangement of each part of the device body according to this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the temperature adjustment mechanism of this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing a rack holding a plurality of containers according to this embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing each position of the movable-side light shielding portion of the light shielding mechanism of this embodiment and its surrounding structure.

[0034] Figure 7 It is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the ground member according to this embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 : is a schematic exploded cross-sectional view showing the structure of the movable side light shielding portion of this embodiment.

[0036] Explanation of symbols

[0037] 100…Biological sample analysis device

[0038] Xdet…Detection Position

[0039] 2…Container

[0040] 3… Bracket

[0041] 4…Light detector

[0042] NE…Static Eliminator

[0043] 5…Standard drive mechanism

[0044] 6…Injection mechanism

[0045] 11…Reflector

[0046] 13…Shading mechanism

[0047] 131…Container side light shielding part

[0048] 132…Movable side shading unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the biological sample analyzer of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0050] <Device Configuration>

[0051] The biological sample analyzer 100 of the present embodiment for rapid inspection of microorganisms measures the amount of a substance originating from a biological organism by analyzing the light generated by the substance originating from a biological organism contained in a sample. In other words, the biological sample analyzer 100 of the present embodiment is a biological sample analyzer for high-sensitivity inspection of microorganisms, and targets, for example, measurements with a photon count of 1000 or less per second. In the present embodiment, 30 to 100 counts per second is taken as the zero point, and the difference in counts is taken as the object of measurement of the amount of bacteria present. It should be noted that the following is a method for measuring the amount of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) as a substance originating from a biological organism by detecting the weak light generated by ATP (amol (=10 - 18 The device for measuring the amount of ATP in mol) is described below.

[0052] Specifically, if Figure 1 As shown, the biological sample analysis device 100 includes a support 3 for holding a plurality of containers 2 for containing samples, a light detector 4 fixed at a predetermined position, a support driving mechanism 5 for moving the support 3, and a dispensing mechanism 6 for dispensing a luminescent reagent that reacts with ATP to generate light into the container 2 held on the support 3.

[0053] It should be explained, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the biological sample analyzer 100 of this embodiment includes a device body 101 placed on a table such as a clean bench and a cover body 102 provided on the device body 101. The device body 101 is provided with a measurement system machine such as a support 3, a support driving mechanism 5 and a dispensing mechanism 6 required for ATP measurement. In addition, the device body 101 has an opening 101H on the front surface. Moreover, the cover body 102 is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the opening 101H of the device body 101. Specifically, the upper side portion of the opening 101H can be opened and closed by a horizontal connecting shaft (not shown), and by lifting the cover body 102 upward, the user can reach into the inside of the device body 101. It should be noted that when the cover body 102 is closed, the cover body 102 and the opening 101H are sealed by a sealing member (not shown), so that the inside of the device becomes a darkroom state.

[0054] The apparatus body 101 is provided with a temperature regulating mechanism 7 for holding and regulating the temperature of a plurality of sample tubes FC containing samples, a reagent placing portion 8 for placing reagent containers RC1 and RC2 containing each reagent, and a tip placing portion 9 for providing a tip PT for the dispensing mechanism 6 .

[0055] The temperature control mechanism 7 holds a plurality of sample tubes FC in a matrix shape, for example. The temperature control mechanism 7 includes a metal (for example, aluminum) holder block 71 for holding the sample tubes FC, a heater 72 as a heat source provided in the holder block 71, and a thermistor 73 for detecting the temperature of the holder block 71. Based on the temperature detected by the thermistor 73, the heater 72 as a heat source is controlled by the control device COM so that the temperature of the holder block 71 becomes a predetermined temperature. Figure 4 As shown, a roughly two-stage cylindrical insertion hole 711 for inserting the thermistor 73 into the inside is formed in the bracket block 71, and the temperature sensing element 731 located at the front end of the thermistor 73 is arranged until the depth of the insertion hole 711. Specifically, two leads of the temperature sensing element 731 connected to the thermistor 73 are inserted into the inside of the insertion body 74, and the insertion body 74 is in a shape of a disc-shaped base end side and a thin cylinder protruding from the center of the base end side, and the temperature sensing element 731 is exposed from the front end of the insertion body 74. In this state, the insertion body 74 is inserted into the insertion hole 711, and the abutting surface of the disc-shaped part of the insertion body 74 abuts against the opening periphery of the insertion hole 711. In this way, even if the insertion hole 711 is formed deep, the position of the temperature sensing element 731 of the thermistor 73 can always be positioned at the same position. In addition, in the insertion hole 711, the insertion body 74 is fixed by a sealing material such as resin.

[0056] The reagent container RC1 containing a pretreatment reagent for pretreatment of the sample and the reagent container RC2 containing a luminescent reagent are placed in the reagent placement section 8. The pretreatment reagents include an ATP elimination solution for eliminating ATP (free ATP) other than living cells (living bacteria) contained in the sample and an ATP extraction solution for extracting ATP from living cells.

[0057] The bracket 3 is configured to be rotatable relative to the device body 101, in particular, Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of containers 2 are held on the same circumference relative to a predetermined rotation center. The holder 3 of this embodiment holds, in addition to the plurality of containers 2 for sample measurement, a container 2b for blank measurement and a container 2s for standard solution measurement. In addition, in the holder 3, a discarded tip storage portion, i.e., a discard box 10, for discarding the tips PT of the dispensing mechanism 6 is integrally provided on the inner side of the plurality of containers 2. The discard box 10 has an arc-shaped opening 10x when viewed from above. Moreover, the holder 3 is configured to be able to be loaded and unloaded relative to the device body 101, and in order to facilitate the loading and unloading operation, a plurality of (here two) holding holes 3h for holding are formed. The holding hole 3h is a through hole for inserting and holding a finger, and is arranged further inside than the opening 10x of the discard box 10. Since the holding hole 3h is provided at a position further inside than the opening 10x, it is possible to prevent the finger from accidentally contacting the discarded tip PT when holding the holder 3. In addition, in this embodiment, the holder 3 is made of metal and is configured not to be charged due to friction when a finger is inserted.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the photodetector 4 detects light emitted from the sample in the container 2 held in the holder 3, and in this embodiment, for example, is a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The photodetector 4 is arranged at a position lower than the container 2 held in the holder 3. In addition, an optical system 12 is arranged above the photodetector 4, and the optical system 12 has a reflector 11 for guiding the light emitted from the sample in the container 2 to the photodetector 4. The reflector 11 is configured to be able to move forward and backward relative to the container 2 located above them. By bringing the reflector 11 close to the container 2, the light emitted from the sample in the container 2 can be efficiently guided to the photodetector 4, and by making the reflector 11 avoid the container 2, the movement of the container 2 can be avoided. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the other optical systems 12 including the reflector 11 and the photodetector 4 are configured to be able to move forward and backward relative to the container 2.

[0059] In this embodiment, if Figure 1As shown, the lower side of the support 3 is provided with not only the photodetector 4 but also the static eliminator NE for removing static electricity from the container 2. The static eliminator NE removes static electricity from the container 2 by supplying negative ions and positive ions from the lower side of the container 2. By supplying both negative ions and positive ions to the static eliminator NE, static electricity can be reliably removed regardless of whether the container 2 is positively charged or negatively charged. The timing of supplying negative ions and positive ions can be the same timing or different timing. By reliably removing static electricity from the container 2 in this way, the biological sample analyzer 100 can prevent the occurrence of discharge phenomenon caused by static electricity. Therefore, the biological sample analyzer 100 can prevent the light caused by the discharge phenomenon from being detected and causing measurement errors.

[0060] The static eliminator NE is separated from the photodetector 4 by a predetermined arc length relative to the circumferential direction, which is the arrangement direction of the containers 2. In the present embodiment, the static eliminator NE is arranged on the side opposite to the photodetector 4 with the rotation center of the holder 3 as a reference. That is, the static eliminator NE is arranged at the position farthest from the photodetector 4 on the circumference where the containers 2 are arranged. In the present embodiment, after each container 2 is de-electrified by the static eliminator NE, the holder 3 is rotated and positioned at the detection position Xdet. Because of this configuration, it is possible to eliminate the static electricity of the container 2 while preventing the ions supplied from the static eliminator NE from being detected by the photodetector 4.

[0061] The support driving mechanism 5 moves the support 3 to sequentially position each container 2 held in the support 3 at the detection position Xdet performed by the light detector 4. Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the rack driving mechanism 5 includes a mounting table 51 on which the rack 3 is mounted, a rotating shaft 52 for rotating the rack 3 mounted on the mounting table 51, and an actuator 53 for rotating the rotating shaft 52. In addition, a rotation position sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation position of the rack 3 is provided in the rack driving mechanism 5. Based on the detection signal of the rotation position sensor, the actuator 53 is controlled to rotate by the control device COM in such a manner that the container 2 to be measured is located at the detection position Xdet.

[0062] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the bracket 3 is electrically connected to the rotating shaft 52 via the setting table 51. Therefore, the setting table 51 and the rotating shaft 52 are made of metal. Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the electric charge of the bracket 3 is grounded through the grounding member GR mounted on the rotating shaft 52. More specifically, the grounding member GR is a leaf spring member having three claws that clamp the side of the rotating shaft 52. Each claw provided in a manner to clamp the rotating shaft 52 is urged to press inward. Since each claw is in line contact with the rotating shaft 52 and is urged inward, even if wear occurs between the rotating shaft 52 and the grounding member GR, the line contact state can be basically maintained, and the electric charge accumulated in the bracket 3 can continue to flow to the ground.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the dispensing mechanism 6 comprises: a nozzle 61, which is used to suck or discharge samples or reagents; a pump mechanism 62 such as a syringe, which drives the nozzle 61 to suck or discharge via a flow path connected to the nozzle 61; and a nozzle moving mechanism 63, which moves the nozzle 61 in a predetermined direction.

[0064] The nozzle 61 includes a head holder 611, which holds a suction tip PT for contacting and holding a sample or each reagent in a detachable manner. The head holder 611 has an internal flow path, and a flow path is connected to the base end thereof, and the suction tip PT is connected to the front end opening. The suction tip PT is in a wet state in the head holder 611.

[0065] In addition, the nozzle moving mechanism 63 linearly moves the nozzle 61 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) and linearly moves the nozzle 61 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Specifically, the nozzle moving mechanism 63 includes a movable member 631 that holds the nozzle 61, a sliding mechanism 632 that is respectively provided in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, and an actuator 633 for moving the movable member 631 in each direction along the sliding mechanism 632. The actuator 633 and the pump mechanism 62 are controlled by the control device COM, thereby performing various actions in the ATP measurement.

[0066] Moreover, if Figure 6 As shown, the biological sample analyzer 100 of this embodiment includes a light shielding mechanism 13, which guides the light emitted from the sample in the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet to the light detector 4, and on the other hand, prevents the light emitted from the sample in other containers 2 (specifically, the container 2 where the measurement has been completed) from being guided to the light detector 4.

[0067] The light shielding mechanism 13 includes a container-side light shielding portion 131 provided at each container 2 and a movable-side light shielding portion 132 that moves forward and backward relative to the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet.

[0068] The container side light shielding portion 131 is composed of a non-light-transmissive member and covers the upper portion of each container 2. Specifically, the container side light shielding portion 131 covers the entire circumference of the upper portion of each container 2. In the present embodiment, a cylindrical container side light shielding portion 131 is provided on the container holding portion of the holder 3, and the container 2 is accommodated in the container side light shielding portion 131, so that the container side light shielding portion 131 covers the entire circumference of the upper portion of the container 2 held in the holder 3.

[0069] The movable side light shielding part 132 is composed of a non-translucent component, and covers the lower part of the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet except for the upper part covered by the container side light shielding part 131. Specifically, the movable side light shielding part 132 covers the entire circumference of the lower part of the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet. The movable side light shielding part 132 moves up and down between a light shielding position S covering the lower part of the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet and a evacuation position T away from the lower part of the container 2 downward. It should be noted that the lifting and lowering movement of the movable side light shielding part 132 is performed by using a lifting device 14 such as an actuator. The lifting device 14 is controlled by the control device COM in conjunction with the actions of the support driving mechanism 5 and the dispensing mechanism 6.

[0070] A first step portion 131a is formed over the entire circumference at the lower end of the container-side light shielding portion 131, and a second step portion 132A corresponding to the first step portion 131a is formed over the entire circumference at the upper end of the movable-side light shielding portion 132. In addition, when the movable-side light shielding portion 132 is in the light shielding position S, the first step portion 131a of the container-side light shielding portion 131 and the second step portion 132A of the movable-side light shielding portion 132 are engaged to cover both the upper and lower portions of the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet. By engaging the first step portion 131a and the second step portion 132A in this way, light shielding is more reliably performed. In addition, either of the step portions 131a and 132A may be formed in a groove shape.

[0071] It should be noted that when the luminescent reagent is introduced into the sample in the container 2 by the dispensing mechanism 6, the movable side light shielding unit 132 is located at the light shielding position S, and when the luminescent measurement is completed and the container 2 is switched to the detection position Xdet, the movable side light shielding unit 132 is located at the escape position T.

[0072] In addition, the movable-side light shielding portion 132 of the present embodiment constitutes the reflector 11 that guides the light emitted from the sample in the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet to the photodetector 4 .

[0073] More specifically, if Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, the movable side shading portion 132 includes a reflector body 132a covering the front end side of the container 2, a glass plate serving as a light-transmitting plate 132b arranged in the reflector body 132a, and a pressing component 132c that can be loaded and unloaded relative to the reflector body 132a and presses and fixes the light-transmitting plate 132b to the reflector body 132a.

[0074] The reflector body 132a is a cylindrical body whose inner surface is mirror-finished, for example, and has a tapered inner peripheral surface that gradually expands from the upper end opening toward the bottom. A stepped portion is formed at the front end side of the reflector body 132a, and the light-transmitting plate 132b is pressed against this portion. In addition, an internal thread is cut at the front end side of the reflector body 132a.

[0075] The light-transmitting plate 132b is roughly disk-shaped and has an outer diameter that is roughly the same as the inner diameter of the front end side of the reflector body 132a. The pressing component 132c is a roughly annular component, and an outer thread that is screwed with the inner thread formed on the front end side of the reflector body 132a is cut out on the outer circumference. In addition, a reflective film is provided on the inner circumference of the pressing component 132c, and the light that reaches the inner circumference of the pressing component among the light passing through the light-transmitting plate is also guided to the photodetector 4. Since the movable side light shielding portion 132 is configured so that the light-transmitting plate 132b can be loaded and unloaded from the reflector body 132a, for example, even if water droplets or dirt are attached to the light-transmitting plate 132b, it can be easily cleaned and maintained. In addition, since a reflective film is provided on the inner circumference of the pressing component 132c, light loss caused by the sample in this part can be prevented.

[0076] Thus, the reflector 11 facing the photodetector 4 is formed on the inner surface of the movable-side light shielding portion 132. The reflector 11 can guide the light emitted from the side wall of the container 2 at the detection position Xdet to the photodetector 4 without leaking.

[0077] <Analysis Method>

[0078] Next, the operation and analysis method of the biological sample analyzer 100 configured as above will be described.

[0079] For example, a large volume (e.g., 50 ml to 200 ml) of sample is concentrated to a predetermined amount (e.g., 1 μl to 1000 μl) to generate a sample. The sample tube FC containing the sample is placed in the temperature adjustment mechanism 7 of the device body 101. The support block 71 of the temperature adjustment mechanism 7 is temperature-controlled to a constant temperature by the heater 72. With a predetermined number of sample tubes FC placed, the cover 102 is closed and the measurement is started. It should be noted that, in this state, each container 2 held in the support 3 is empty, but a standard solution with a known ATP amount is contained in the container 2 for standard solution measurement.

[0080] When the measurement starts, the control device COM controls the dispensing mechanism 6 to dispense each pretreatment reagent into the sample tube FC held in the temperature control mechanism 7 in a predetermined order. Thus, the sample in the sample tube FC is subjected to a predetermined pretreatment (ATP extraction). After that, the dispensing mechanism 6 introduces the pretreated samples in each sample tube FC into each container 2 held in the rack 3.

[0081] Then, the control device COM controls the support driving mechanism 5 to move the container 2 to be measured to the detection position Xdet. During this process, ions are supplied to the container 2 on the static eliminator NE to remove static electricity from the container 2. In addition, after the container 2 to be measured is moved to the detection position Xdet, the control device COM controls the lifting device 14 to move the movable side light shielding part 132 of the light shielding mechanism 13 to the light shielding position S. After becoming this state, the control device COM controls the dispensing mechanism 6 to introduce the luminescent reagent into the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet. Thus, the light emitted from the sample in the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet is detected by the light detector 4. The light intensity signal obtained by the light detector 4 is processed by the control device COM to calculate the ATP amount (amol). It should be noted that the light intensity signal used for calculation processing among the light intensity signals obtained by the light detector 4 is a cumulative signal from the time of introducing the luminescent reagent to a predetermined time (for example, several seconds).

[0082] After the luminescence measurement of one container 2 is completed, the control device COM controls the lifting device 14 to move the movable side shading portion 132 of the shading mechanism 13 to the avoidance position T, and then controls the support driving mechanism 5 to move the next container 2 to be measured to the detection position Xdet. In this way, the luminescence measurement of the sample in each container 2 is performed in sequence. It should be noted that before the luminescence measurement of each container 2, a blank measurement and a standard solution measurement are performed, and a zero point calibration and a span calibration are performed.

[0083] After all samples have been measured, the cover 102 is opened to replace the sample tube FC held by the temperature adjustment mechanism 7, and the container 2 held by the holder 3 is replaced. When replacing the container 2 held by the holder 3, the holder 3 is removed from the apparatus body 101 by holding the holding hole 3h of the holder 3. In the holder 3, the used and discarded pipette tips PT enter the discard box 10 of the holder 3, so by removing the holder 3 from the apparatus body 101, the discarded pipette tips PT can also be taken out from the apparatus body 101 at the same time.

[0084] <Effects of the present embodiment>

[0085] According to the biological sample analyzer 100 of the present embodiment configured in this manner, since the container 2 is de-charged by the static eliminator NE, it is possible to prevent the container 2 from being charged and causing discharge due to static electricity, and the light emitted by the discharge being detected by the photodetector 4 to cause measurement errors. In addition, since the container 2 is de-charged, it is possible to prevent a portion of the sample from being attracted by static electricity and causing droplets to adhere to the inner wall surface of the container 2 and a portion of the sample from reacting with the reagent.

[0086] As a result, even minute luminescence intensities can be detected, and the calculation accuracy of the ATP amount (amol) can be improved more than ever before.

[0087] Since the dispensing mechanism 6 introduces the reagent into the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet, the light can be detected without omission from the time when the light emission starts. Here, before the reagent is introduced by the dispensing mechanism 6, the light emitted from the sample in the container 2 other than the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet is blocked by the light shielding mechanism 13, so the light can be detected with good accuracy from the time when the light emission starts.

[0088] Since the light shielding mechanism 13 is divided into a container side light shielding portion 131 fixed to the container 2 side and a movable side light shielding portion 132 movable relative to the container 2, it is not necessary to use a movable part to cover the entire container 2. As a result, the movable part of the light shielding mechanism 13 can be compactly configured and the structure can be simplified.

[0089] Furthermore, since the movable side light shielding portion 132 is constituted by the reflector 11 that guides the light emitted from the sample in the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet to the photodetector 4, the light emitted from the sample can be efficiently guided to the photodetector 4. Here, since the pressing member 132c located on the front end side of the light-transmitting plate 132b is also provided with a reflective film, the loss of light emitted from the sample can be further reduced.

[0090] Since the light shielding mechanism 13 covers the entire circumference of the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet, it can not only shield as much light as possible emitted from the container 2 other than the container 2 located at the detection position Xdet, but also shield other stray light to further reduce noise.

[0091] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0092] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0093] For example, the rack 3 holds the plurality of containers 2 on the same circle, but may also hold them in a predetermined direction, such as in a matrix, etc. In this case, the rack drive mechanism 5 may be configured to move the rack 3 linearly in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction).

[0094] In this case, the static eliminator NE only needs to supply ions to the moving path of the container 2. The static eliminator NE is not limited to supplying ions from the bottom of the container 2, and may supply ions from the side of the container 2 to perform static elimination.

[0095] The biological sample analyzer 100 for rapid microbial testing of the present invention is not limited to the ATP amount measuring device shown in the embodiment. As specific examples of rapid microbial testing, bioluminescence / fluorescence methods with ATP and the like as measuring objects, immunological methods with antigens as measuring objects, solid phase cell technology and flow cytometry with bacteria as measuring objects, etc. can be cited. In addition, the biological sample analyzer 100 for rapid microbial testing of the present invention can also perform mycoplasma measurement and endotoxin measurement.

[0096] Furthermore, various modifications and / or combinations of parts of the embodiments may be made as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0097] Industrial availability

[0098] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a biological sample analyzer that prevents a container containing a sample from being charged and that can accurately measure the intensity of only the light emitted from the sample.

Claims

1. A biological sample analysis device, characterized in that: A rapid microbial inspection for analyzing light generated by a substance derived from a living organism contained in a sample, the biological sample analysis device comprising: A support for holding a plurality of containers containing the samples; A light detector disposed below the container and fixed at a predetermined position; a support driving mechanism that drives the support and sequentially positions each container held by the support at a detection position to be detected by the light detector; and a static eliminator disposed below the container and configured to remove static electricity from the container held by the support, In the same holder, the static eliminator supplies positive ions and negative ions from below the container to thereby eliminate static electricity from the container, and the light detector detects light emitted from the sample in the container. The support is configured to be rotatable relative to a predetermined rotation center and to hold the plurality of containers on the same circumference relative to the rotation center. The static eliminator is arranged to be separated from the photodetector by a predetermined arc length in the circumferential direction of the circle in which the plurality of containers are arranged. The support driving mechanism includes a rotating shaft connected to the support, The support driving mechanism further includes a grounding member having a plurality of claws for clamping a side surface of the rotating shaft. Each of the claws is provided so as to clamp the rotating shaft, and is in contact with the rotating axis line and applies force toward the inside of the rotating shaft.

2. The biological sample analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The static eliminator is disposed on the opposite side of the photodetector with respect to the rotation center of the holder.

3. The biological sample analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The static eliminator supplies positive ions and negative ions to the container.

4. The biological sample analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The static eliminator supplies positive ions and negative ions to the container.

5. The biological sample analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The container has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is configured such that a front end portion thereof is exposed downward from the support.

6. The biological sample analysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The container has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is configured such that a front end portion thereof is exposed downward from the support.

7. The biological sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The support is formed of an electrical conductor.

8. The biological sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The support is electrically connected to the support driving mechanism and is grounded.

9. The biological sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The biological sample analyzer further includes a dispensing mechanism for introducing into the container a reagent that reacts with the biological substance to generate light. The dispensing mechanism is configured to be attachable to and detachable from a pipette tip in contact with the reagent. The pipette tip is in a wet state before use.

10. The biological sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The biological sample analyzer further includes a light shielding mechanism, the light shielding mechanism including: a container-side light shielding portion, which is provided on the container and covers the upper portion of the container; and a movable-side light shielding portion, which moves forward and backward relative to the container located at the detection position and covers the lower portion of the container located at the detection position. The container-side light shielding portion and the movable-side light shielding portion are respectively formed of metal.

11. The biological sample analysis device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The movable side light shielding portion comprises: a reflector body covering the front end side of the container; a light-transmitting plate disposed in the reflector body; and The pressing member is detachable from the reflector body and presses and fixes the light-transmitting plate to the reflector body.

12. The biological sample analysis device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The pressing member is a substantially annular member mounted in the reflector body, and a reflective film is provided on the inner peripheral surface thereof.

13. The biological sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The biological sample analyzer further comprises a temperature control mechanism, wherein the temperature control mechanism comprises: a support block for holding a sample tube containing the sample before being dispensed into the container; A heat source part, which is arranged on the bracket block; a thermistor having a temperature sensing element and a lead connected to the temperature sensing element and measuring the temperature of the bracket block; a receiving hole formed in the bracket block and used for receiving the thermistor therein; as well as an inserting body, which covers the lead wires of the thermistor and is inserted into the receiving hole, A contact surface that contacts the periphery of the opening of the accommodation hole is formed on the base end side of the insertion body.

14. A biological sample analysis method, characterized in that: A biological sample analysis device for rapid microbial testing using light generated by a biological substance contained in a sample, The biological sample analysis device comprises: A support for holding a plurality of containers containing the samples; a light detector disposed below the container and fixed at a predetermined position; and a support driving mechanism that drives the support and sequentially positions each container held on the support at a detection position by the light detector, The support is configured to be rotatable relative to a predetermined rotation center and to hold the plurality of containers on the same circumference relative to the rotation center. The static eliminator is arranged to be separated from the photodetector by a predetermined arc length in the circumferential direction of the arrayed plurality of containers. The support driving mechanism includes a rotating shaft connected to the support, The support driving mechanism further includes a grounding member having a plurality of claws for clamping a side surface of the rotating shaft. Each of the claws is arranged in a manner of clamping the rotating shaft, and is in contact with the rotating axis and applies force to the inner side of the rotating shaft. In the biological sample analysis method, the container held by the holder is subjected to static elimination. In the same holder, the static eliminator supplies positive ions and negative ions from below the container to thereby eliminate static electricity from the container, and the photodetector detects light emitted from the sample in the container.

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